The angry peel of the doorbell jerked Gillian from her confused haze. Her breath caught, throat tightening. She sat up, her fingers digging into the leather.
“Hi.” Warmth in Jack’s voice was the first indication the visitor wasn’t Barbara. “Did you get everything?”
“Yes, I even stopped by the old place and grabbed a few things. I found a bunch of documents in the pantry, wasn’t sure if they were needed or not so I brought ’em. Hey, Gillian. Hope you’re feeling better. Scared ten years off Jack’s life.” Sally’s voice reached her a moment before a gentle touch to the back of one hand.
“Set the papers on the desk. Do you want some coffee? I’m making lunch.”
“Why, Jack, I thought you’d never ask. I’ll take the coffee, nothing to eat.” Sally chuckled. “Gillian, here. I think these are going to help.”
Relief flooded Gillian as she slid her glasses on. Blinking a couple of times to clear her vision, she glanced around. Her bags sat near the hallway, her coat and shoes next to them. “Um, I only had my purse in the car, you didn’t have to—”
“Oh, hon, I know that, just know you needed your things. The landlord let me in when I told him I was helping you move out. He was more than happy to hear it since your lease is up in a week. I got a couple of the boys to go over and pack up the rest of your personal belongings. Do you want me to bring them here?”
“Yes, she does.” Jack’s voice drifted over the back of the couch.
Gillian nodded, her stomach twisting as she debated asking. “Did you say you got some papers?”
“Yeah, from a law office, and there was other mail in your box. I just grabbed it all. Very nice young boy was there asking after you. I told him you were staying with a friend and he asked where. I told him you were here, and he said to say hi. Said he might pop by if that was okay. Thought I saw Barbara as I was leaving, but why she’d be looking for you there—”
“Can I see the letter from the lawyer?” Gillian sucked in a pain-filled breath as she struggled to get off the couch.
“Of course you can. Just stay there, I’ll bring it to you.”
Gillian accepted the envelope with a weak smile. She frowned as she checked the address. It wasn’t her lawyer’s office. Ripping it open, she pulled out the letter and unfolded it.
Dear Miss Hilliard,
As per our yearly audit, we have discovered to our consternation several rather suspect transactions on your account outside of the parameters set in place by your father. As well, we’ve noted the increase in payments to BMC Consulting. These transactions are not in line with the previous withdrawals. We are acting to protect your interests, therefore we are responding to this suspect activity as is our policy. As a result of our initial investigation, we are freezing your accounts. Please feel free to contact us to discuss this further. Our goal is to protect your interest.
Sincerely, Robert Fritz.
“What’s it say?” Jack lounged against the doorjamb.
“Someone says they froze my bank account.” Gillian looked up at Jack. “I don’t understand. I’ve never even heard of this company, much less this account. Maybe someone got mixed up.”
“Let’s have a look,” Jack offered quickly. He read through the letter, a frown pulling his brows together. “This is odd. You’re certain you haven’t been making any payments to this company? Though this sounds like a lot of money.”
“No.” Gillian closed her eyes, her throat tightening. “But it could be my mother. She meddles…”
A firm, distant knock on the door interrupted them. Gillian stared at Jack in a horrified stupor. Another knock halted her unspoken protest as Jack hurried to answer the door.
* * * *
“Rick, what a surprise. What can I do for you?” Shock tightened Jack’s voice as he stared at the tall, muscular blond dressed in a pressed blue and gray uniform hovering on his doorstep. “I have coffee on.”
“I’m afraid this isn’t a social call.” Rick adjusted his weight, his hand going to the briefcase he held. “I’m working on an investigation. Fritz, Fritz, and Jamieson contacted me about some questionable transactions on an account. Apparently they sent out a letter and haven’t heard anything back from Miss Hilliard. As soon as they told me the name, I suspected it was tied in with another investigation.”
“Really? Seems a bit odd. She only just got the letter. How’d you know to come here? Come on in, she’s resting at the moment.” Jack ushered him in. “She was just released from the hospital earlier and…”
“I heard about the accident. I also heard from the nurses you were there at the discharge, and since she’s not at her registered address I assumed she’d be here. I’m well aware of your involvement with Miss Hilliard. Damn, Jack. Look, I know this sucks but I have to do my job.” Rick sighed. “Would it be possible to speak to her?”
“Sure, but don’t upset her. She’s already got plenty on her mind.”
Rick nodded his agreement and followed Jack past the foyer table and into the living room. Jack sighed. Gillian lay curled up on the couch, her dark hair spread over the pale pillows as she stared at the silent television.
“Gilli, this is Constable Rick Feller. He was wondering if you’re up to speaking with him.”
Gillian frowned, her face paling even further. “Of course. What can I do for you, Constable?”
“I’m investigating some odd payments made in the past few weeks to a company we suspect of having connections to a rather questionable organization. It was brought to Mister Fritz’s attention by a Miss Willows, who was going through a copy of the yearly statements as per your late father’s request,” Rick started.
“What? I don’t, I didn’t, I don’t know what’s going on.” Gillian bit her lip as she sat up.
